Career Symposium Adds Networking To Student-Athlete Skillsets

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — More than 25 employers from a variety of career fields provided about 80 University of Arkansas junior and senior student-athletes the opportunity to network and participate in a professional discussion panel during the 2015 Student-Athlete Career Symposium held Monday, Nov. 30.

Ulanda Terry and former Razorback quarterback Quinn Grovey served as guest panelists and encouraged student-athletes to build lasting relationships through networking. They also encouraged searching for professional mentors and sponsors and finding ways to create a reputable personal brand.

Terry, the director of diversity and leadership development at Tyson Foods Inc., helps lead the strategic direction of Tyson’s diversity and inclusion efforts. She is also responsible for supporting the business with training and leadership development services. Prior to joining Tyson, Terry coordinated the MBA recruiting program for Walmart.

Grovey, an active Board of Directors member on the Razorback Foundation and the Frank and Barbara Broyles Foundation, was a part of the Razorback football team from 1987 to 1990. As quarterback, Grovey led Arkansas to two Southwest Conference Championships and two Cotton Bowls appearances. Grovey currently serves as a senior manager of human resources at Walmart’s merchandising unit. He has more than 24 years of retail experience with Walmart Stores Inc. and The Home Depot.

The event also included presenting student-athletes the opportunity to meet networkers and employers from various companies. Some of the organizations represented included Northwestern Mutual, Cintas Corporation, Walmart, Tyson, American National Insurance, Arvest Bank, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences (UAMS), Octagon, Elizabeth Richardson Center, ALS Association, University of Arkansas Police Department (UAPD), Fayetteville Public Schools and the University of Arkansas Career Development Center.

“It was awesome talking to former student-athletes who were once in our same position, said Nick Thomas-Smith, a junior linebacker on the football team.

Senior football defensive lineman DeMarcus Hodge agreed.

“The environment at the symposium was great,” Hodge said. “The companies were really inviting, so it made it easier to connect with them.”